Engaging this module

You are invited to explore this module by reading the content, watching the presentations and videos and responding to the suggested exercises and activities. You are encouraged to have a Bible and journaling materials nearby to take notes.

Queer Theology

In this video, Brian Ellison offers an overview to the series, explores the meaning of the term “queer theology,” placing the discipline in the broader context and history of Reformed theology. The video asks how all our work of theological exploration and discovery is, to some extent, about “queering” our existing understandings, and offers a preview of the videos to come.

The Rev. Brian Ellison is executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, a national organization dedicated to education and advocacy for the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the life and leadership of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He is also stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America, a writer and teacher, and a host/contributor at NPR affiliate KCUR in Kansas City.

Questions for Group or Individual Reflection

  • What words or phrases from the video stood out to you as you listened? Why do you think that attracted your attention?
  • What do you hear when you hear the word “queer”? How has that changed after watching this video and reflecting?
    • Many people feel uncomfortable with the term “queer”? Why do you think that is—and what should we do with those feelings of discomfort?
  • The very nature of “Reformed” theology is that it reflects a change from previously agreed tenets. Can you think of examples of ways your own theology or beliefs have “reformed”? That is, how have your views and understandings changed, evolved, or been challenged over the course of your life?
    • Why did they change? Was that healthy?
  • Can you think of particular ideas or beliefs—sincerely held—that have had the impact of oppressing or harming people? Have you ever had such beliefs?

Resources for Further Study and Information

Gender and Sexuality Reconsidered

In this video, Dr. Jimmy Hoke articulates some of the core ideas of queer theology and the particular contributions it makes to the reading and interpreting of scripture. He offers particular examples of how scripture might better be understood with recognition of the queerness already present in it and the norms we have assumed. And he talks about the way queer theology brings not so much particular conclusions – one right answer—but rather changes the way we go about asking questions.

Dr. Jimmy Hoke is a writer, scholar, teacher and candidate for ministry. He teaches at United Theological Seminary in the Twin Cities, is on staff at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is the author of Feminism, Queerness, Affect and Romans.

Questions for Group or Individual Reflection

  • What words or phrases from the video stood out to you as you listened? Why do you think that attracted your attention?
  • What assumptions have you made about what scripture has to say about homosexuality? About gender identity or gender roles?
  • Are there ways you’ve read the Bible to say one thing while someone else you know has read the same passage differently? Why does that happen?
  • Do you find it harder to accept what someone tells you scripture means, or to question it? Do you want clear answers to hard questions? Why or why not?
  • When Dr. Hoke spoke of “queer things” happening in Corinth, what emotions does that trigger for you? How do your feelings about another’s scriptural observations affect how you yourself interpret the texts?
  • Hoke observed that Paul’s inclination was to tell the Corinthians to stop challenging the norms—that it would be easier to simply live with the existing system. Do you ever feel the same?
  • What are some ways you have—perhaps without realizing it—imposed particular ideas as “natural” or “normal” on how you understand the Bible and practice your faith?
  • How is a transgender/non-binary/genderqueer person’s living in accordance with their gender identity an expression of their Christian faith and theology?
  • How might we do theology (and Bible study and daily decision-making) differently if we are allowing our study and reflection to be informed by queer experience?

Resources for Further Study and Information

Many more resources are available at the website of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, www.covnetpres.org.

Biblical Images of God PDF

Living Out Queer Theology in our Worship and Practice

In this video, Brooke Scott and Slats Toole articulate ways that congregations can incorporate queer theology into their daily and weekly practices—especially worship—in ways that foster faithfully inclusive and expansive community. This includes conversation about liturgy and language, and the power of theology to shape our lives of faith.

The Rev. Brooke Scott is pastor of Church on Main, Middletown, Delaware, an intentionally LGBTQ+-affirming worshiping community, as well as an organizing pastor of a second new worshiping community in New Castle Presbytery. She is also a social worker with experience working with those who have experienced religious trauma.

Slats Toole is a writer, musician, preacher and theater professional currently based in the Twin Cities. Slats’ Lenten poetry series has been compiled in the collection Queering Lent, and their work has also been published in places like Call to Worship, The Presbyterian Outlook and Sacramental Life. Slats has led workshops on expansive language and queer theology (with a particular emphasis on gender identity) throughout the United States and Canada. They are the co-moderator of the Board of Directors of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.

Questions for Group or Individual Reflection

  • What words or phrases from the video stood out to you as you listened? Why do you think that attracted your attention?
  • What theological affirmation is the church making when it uses gendered language (i.e., “brothers and sisters”) vs. non-gendered language (“family in Christ”) for people?
  • What language do you find yourself going back to again and again in worship and prayer, not because you think often about its depth of meaning, but simply because you always have used it?
  • How do hymns and liturgy form our beliefs? Can you think of ways your beliefs are summarized or shaped by long-remembered lines, verses or lyrics?
  • The speakers described liturgy as a “lifeboat.” Can you think of a time when the prayers, hymns, and language of worship have served as a lifeboat for you?
  • What are the main barriers to changing the way we talk about God and humanity in church settings?
  • The video discusses how it matters who is in worship and planning it. How might it also matter who is not present, or included, or in leadership? Can you think of specific times where that absence has had an impact?
  • How might we center different voices and LGBTQIA+ voices in worship planning and leadership? In what ways is this a reflection of our Reformed theology? Are there specific moments when an LGBTQIA+ person’s participation in worship might add something unique or special to a congregation’s experience?

Resources for Further Study and Information

  • Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, “Well Chosen Words,” brochure offering reflection on an practical help with using inclusive language in worship
  • “Songs for the Holy Other,” a free, downloadable open-to-use collection of hymns by, for, or about the queer community, produced by the Hymn Society
  • Brian Ellison, “And Also with You,” an exploration of the queer identity of the worship leader in Call to Worship4, from the PCUSA office of Theology, Formation and Evangelism
  • A variety of prayers and liturgy for gender-expansive worship are available, and updated from time to time, on the Covenant Network of Presbyterians website’s resources page.

Many more resources are available at the website of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, www.covnetpres.org.

Queer Ecclesiology: Building a Truly Inclusive Church

In this video, Marci Glass and Pepa Paniagua delve into the practical aspects of queer theology and its implications for Reformed faith communities, especially exploring ways the church can be more authentically welcoming and inclusive. The video acknowledges the practical challenges with undertaking such efforts and celebrates the impact the work can have on lives of discipleship and faith inside and outside church walls, including examples from Pride festivals to acts of public witness.

The Rev. Marci Auld Glass is pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco and past pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho, two congregations that, in sharply different contexts, model inclusion and advocacy in theologically grounded and biblically informed ways. She is also past moderator of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.

 The Rev Pepa Paniagua is coordinator of innovation and new ministry development for Grace Presbytery, based in Dallas. She was founder of kin-dom community, a worshiping community that creates space for queer belonging and celebration, and which operates kin-dom camp, a summer camp experience for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Questions for Group or Individual Reflection

  • What words or phrases stood out to you as you watched this video?
  • How does fear sometimes control what ministry we allow ourselves to undertake? Theologically, should it?
    • What are you afraid to say or do as a person or community of faith because of how people might react?
  • In what ways do individuals and communities need to look inside before they can effectively serve outside? In what ways might a community need to “interrogate” itself before reaching out?
  • How have you learned and grown in your theology and faith because of specific actions/mission efforts/activities in which you were engaged?
  • How might the faith communities you are a part of be more intentional in their welcome of all people?
    • What kind of change or growth might be demanded of you to make that kind of change happen for your faith community?
  • What are the barriers to more expansive expressions of faith in the communities you know? How might queer theology inform a response to those barriers?
  • How might you seek out the perspectives and experiences of queer people of a racial/ethnic group other than your own? Are there other underrepresented voices in the conversation that you need to hear from?
  • In your community, “Where would Jesus be?” And “What does love look like here?”
  • The video suggests the first question for a congregation considering steps to become more welcoming is “Why?” How would you articulate your own reason for wanting a more welcoming church?
  • As this series draws to a close, what is one concrete action step you can take as an individual to allow queer theology to challenge the status quo in your life? In your faith community?

Resources for Further Study and Information

Many more resources are available at the website of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, www.covnetpres.org or at the wakelet for this module.

Additional Resources: Wakelet